Infrastructure tipped as big-ticket budget item

The ABC has learned infrastructure projects will be the big ticket items in the May budget, but the cash influx will come with a condition.

The Commonwealth is willing to fund major projects, such as the Ring Road upgrade in Melbourne, but only if it gets a share in road toll income.

This more assertive approach to infrastructure funding will extend beyond roads, to rail projects and public transport.

It is aimed at stopping a repeat of the Toowoomba Bypass, which saw the Commonwealth pump more than $1 billion dollars into the build, only to see the Queensland Government slap motorists with up to $30 tolls.